Whistleblowing policy

The Code Zone Ltd is committed to maintaining a culture of openness, accountability, and integrity. We believe that it is essential to have systems in place to ensure our activities are conducted ethically and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This whistleblowing policy aims to encourage and enable employees, volunteers, and others to raise serious concerns about malpractice or wrongdoing within the organisation without fear of reprisals or victimisation.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear procedure for individuals to raise concerns about malpractice or wrongdoing and to ensure those concerns are addressed promptly, effectively, and confidentially.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and anyone associated with The Code Zone Ltd, including parents, carers, and members of the public.

Whistleblowing definition

Whistleblowing is the disclosure of information which relates to suspected wrongdoing or dangers affecting any of The Code Zone Ltd’s activities. This includes but is not limited to:

Criminal offences — such as fraud, theft, or corruption.
Failure to comply with legal obligations — such as breaches of health and safety regulations.
Miscarriages of justice.
Risk or damage to the environment.
Danger to health and safety.
Cover-ups of the above categories of wrongdoing.
Safeguarding concerns — particularly related to the welfare and safety of children and young people.

Policy statement

The Code Zone Ltd encourages individuals to raise genuine concerns about suspected wrongdoing at the earliest opportunity and to do so without fear of reprisal or victimisation. This policy ensures that any concerns raised are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.

Procedure for raising a concern

Step 1: Reporting

Any individual who has a concern about wrongdoing should report it to their immediate supervisor or manager. If the individual feels unable to raise the matter with their supervisor or manager, or if they believe their concern has not been addressed satisfactorily, they should contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Mary Duhig
Email: dsl@thecodezone.co.uk
Phone: 0333 090 5697

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: Alice Ifill
Email: dsl@thecodezone.co.uk
Phone: 0333 090 5697

Step 2: Investigation

Once a concern has been reported, the designated person (DSL, Deputy DSL, or alternative appropriate manager) will acknowledge receipt of the concern within five working days and will investigate the matter. This will involve gathering information, speaking with relevant parties, and evaluating evidence to determine whether the allegations are substantiated.

Step 3: Outcome

Upon completion of the investigation, the designated person will communicate the outcome and any actions taken to the individual who raised the concern. If the individual is not satisfied with the outcome, they have the right to appeal by raising the matter with an appropriate external body, such as the local authority or regulatory body.

Protection for whistleblowers

The Code Zone Ltd is committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from reprisals, victimisation, or other detrimental treatment. This includes:

Confidentiality — all whistleblowing reports will be treated in confidence and every effort will be made to protect the identity of the whistleblower if they so wish. However, it may not be possible to guarantee complete confidentiality if the matter requires further investigation or legal proceedings.
No detrimental treatment — individuals who raise genuine concerns will not suffer any form of detrimental treatment or adverse consequences as a result of raising a concern. Any retaliatory actions taken against a whistleblower will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence.
Support — The Code Zone Ltd will provide appropriate support to individuals who raise concerns. This may include access to counselling services or other relevant support mechanisms.

Malicious allegations

While The Code Zone Ltd encourages the reporting of genuine concerns, it is important to note that the making of malicious or vexatious allegations is a serious disciplinary offence. If an investigation finds that false allegations were made with malicious intent, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual responsible.

Monitoring and review

The Code Zone Ltd will review this whistleblowing policy annually to ensure it remains effective and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. Any changes to the policy will be communicated to all employees, volunteers, and other relevant parties.

Conclusion

The Code Zone Ltd is committed to fostering an environment where individuals feel confident in raising concerns about wrongdoing. By implementing this whistleblowing policy, we aim to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all our activities.

Contact

For any questions or further information regarding this policy, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at The Code Zone Ltd.